Physical activity demonstrates protective associations with structural visual metrics in children with multiple...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Neuroimmunology

Background:

• Previous research indicates a positive correlation between physical activity (PA) and retinal fiber integrity in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Understanding the longitudinal impact of PA on retinal health in demyelinating diseases is crucial for managing long-term outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between high PA levels and retinal fiber integrity over time in children diagnosed with demyelinating diseases.
• Specifically examining if sustained PA influences retinal nerve and ganglion cell inner plexiform fiber layer thickness in pediatric MS and mono-ADS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of children with MS or monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes (mono-ADS) was recruited.
• Physical activity (PA) levels were assessed using questionnaires.
• Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was employed to measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness.
• Longitudinal data were analyzed using linear mixed models.

Main Results:

• In children with MS, RNFL and GCIPL thickness showed a longitudinal decline of 1.0 mm (p < 0.05).
• More active children with MS exhibited significantly thicker GCIPL over time compared to inactive peers (2.5 mm, p < 0.01).
• Strenuous PA was associated with greater RNFL and GCIPL thickness (1.5-2.1 mm, p < 0.05) in pediatric MS, but not in mono-ADS.

Conclusions:

• Moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) is associated with preserved retinal integrity over time in pediatric MS.
• Future research should explore interventions aimed at increasing PA levels to assess their impact on retinal integrity in children with MS.